Golden State Today

The University of California, Davis has announced its decision to join the Mountain West Conference starting July 1, 2026. This move marks a significant shift for UC Davis Athletics, which will see most of its sports teams transition to the new conference.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May expressed enthusiasm about the change, stating, “We are thrilled to join the Mountain West Conference, and we look forward to an incredible experience for our student-athletes and for our fans.” He highlighted that this transition would introduce the Aggie community to a broader audience and provide opportunities to align with universities sharing similar academic strengths.

The Aggies will participate in all Mountain West Conference-sponsored sports except football. The football team will remain in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) within the Big Sky Conference. Men's and women's water polo and beach volleyball aim to maintain their affiliation with the Big West but are open to exploring other options if necessary. Membership agreements for equestrian, field hockey, and lacrosse will remain unchanged.

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez welcomed UC Davis's addition, saying it strengthens the conference's trajectory. “Chancellor Gary S. May and Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca have shared their strategic plan and financial vision for enhancing student-athlete development,” she said.

This announcement follows a successful fall season for UC Davis sports teams. The men's soccer team won a Big West championship and secured an NCAA tournament spot. The football team finished fifth nationally in regular-season standings and advanced past Illinois State in postseason play.

UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca acknowledged the support from various stakeholders: “Our campus leadership, students, Aggie alumni... recognize the unique spirit of UC Davis.” He emphasized that joining Mountain West aligns with their aspirations.

Financially, additional costs related to travel and staffing due to this transition will be offset by increased revenues from ticket sales, donations, multimedia rights, and conference revenue distributions over three to four years without using existing institutional funds.

Starting no later than 2026-27 academic year, Mountain West membership will include institutions such as Air Force Academy; Grand Canyon University; University of Hawai’i at Mānoa; University of Nevada (Reno); University of New Mexico; San José State University; UNLV; UTEP; and University of Wyoming.

The decision comes amid significant changes among Western schools' conferences over recent years. Joining Mountain West provides access to major metropolitan areas like Phoenix or Las Vegas while aligning academically with similar institutions engaged in disciplines like agriculture or engineering—strategically elevating UC Davis athletics within Division I levels reflective uniquely upon them according Chancellor May’s remarks earlier today during his statement regarding this historic move towards furthering both athletic prowess alongside academic excellence across wider regions throughout western United States where they now compete under banner representing prestigious brand known worldwide simply called "Aggie Pride."